Sermons at McKendree UMC
Sermons that deepen our relationship with God, build relationships with one another, and inspire and strengthen us to show love to neighbors.
The Bible is more than a collection of ancient stories—it's a series of writings shaped by many different authors over centuries. Some of these books, like the Psalms, are compilations meant for worship and prayer. Others are letters that the authors never imagined would be read as sacred scripture. This sermon series will explore how these diverse writings connect to tell a unified story of faith.
We begin with creation, travel through narratives of a people bound by divine promises, navigate through wilderness, settle into a promised land, suffer profound losses, and celebrate the hope brought by a child in Bethlehem at Christmas. Throughout this journey, we’ll ask key questions: What do these stories reveal about God and humanity? How do they inform our relationships with God and each other? Join us as we explore these narratives and uncover the connecting threads of faith, redemption, and hope.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Cyndi dives into the story of the golden calf from Exodus 32-33, exploring how impatience and distractions lead us away from God. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites, we reflect on modern-day idols and the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and waiting. Discover how God invites us into a deeper relationship and transformation, even in times of uncertainty. We end with a practical prayer, “Help me want to love you, God. Help me want to love my neighbors,” as we seek to reframe waiting as a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God’s presence.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Paula Dallas explores Exodus 13:1-8, focusing on the significance of the Passover and God's ongoing deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. She highlights the importance of remembering God's acts of deliverance and how these shape our faith and identity today. Pastor Paula invites listeners to reflect on their own "Egypts"—areas in life where they feel trapped or oppressed—and encourages them to embrace the freedom God offers. The sermon also emphasizes the role of communal rituals in keeping faith alive across generations.
In this 3rd episode of Living in God's Story, we explore the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:15- 21. The story of Joseph not only shows God fulfilling promises made to Abram but also foreshadows how God will bring about salvation and healing.
In this 2nd episode of Living in God's Story, we explore Genesis 15, delving into God's profound promise to Abram through the imagery of stars and smoke
Pastor Cyndi delves into the creation narratives of Genesis 1 and 2, examining their distinct portrayals of God and humanity. Sometimes, we need to focus on God as transcendent and all-powerful; at other times, we need to understand God as intimately involved in our lives. Both guide us in responding to tragedy.
Study Notes and Reflection Questions.
Video referenced in the sermon of Charles and Marcus describing two years of friendship and growth.
Previous Sermon Series
I Needed That
In this series, we take a deep dive into favorite scripture passages selected by members of the congregation. What scriptures do McKendree UMC folks turn to in times of struggle, carry in their pocket, or post on a bathroom mirror?
Growing Up in a Time of Conflict, Change, and Uncertainty...
The Acts church had no idea of the change God was bringing or the resistance and sabotage they would face. We'll learn from the early church, as they must quickly grow up as a church and as disciples. The world is still a place of conflict, change, and anxiety, so the scriptures are practical and meaningful.
Pastor Cyndi leads a related Zoom study, on Sundays at 7 pm, based on Everyone Loves a Non-Anxious Presence: Calm Down, Grow Up, and Live Your Best Life. If interested, email the church office and receive the Zoom link and class materials (info@mckendreeumc.org).
Get your groove on, as together we explore some of the Greatest’s Hits in Matthew’s Gospel. We’ll flow with the love of the Greatest Commandment, move with the mission of the Great Commission, and groove in the grace of Jesus' yoke. It's all part of the harmony of a life lived in rhythm with divine purpose.
Our relationship with God is closely related to our relationship with other people. Jesus said the Greatest Command has two parts: Love God and love your neighbors. During the 40-day season of Lent, we will consider the forgiveness we need to accept and to give.
Jesus and the Games People Play
In life and relationships, people engage in various kinds of games. While he didn't use words like monopoly or battleship, Jesus talked about some of these games in the Sermon on the Mount. This series will help you understand the good life God wants for us.
When John baptizes at the Jordan River, he calls those who show up to repent, change their hearts (intentions). God wants more than sorry.
As we begin the New Year in the Gospel of Matthew, we look at what makes this gospel unique (as well as the game Herod plays).
Advent 2023
In a world ruled by Herod and the Romans, poverty and destitution were widespread. But it was in this bleak world that Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy. This season, we can find joy in Luke’s gospel, even in times of fear or grief, as our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God.
Remember, you are part of God’s story. There is joy to be found, even if you are weary.
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Pastor Paula Dallas.
The Gospel story begins with two people, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had reason to be weary.
Fall 2023 ThanksLiving
Paul wrote to the church in Colossae out of concern. He had received news that teachers were saying Jesus was not enough. It was critical the church understand that Jesus is our best revelation of God. What we think about Jesus impacts every aspect of life.
Devotions for Week 1 (October 15)
Devotions for Week 2 (October 22)
Devotions for Week 3 (October 29)
Devotions for Week 4 (November 5)
Devotions for Week 5 (November 12)
Narrative Budget (November 19)
Coming November 19:
Colossians 4:7-18 Everyone Says Hello
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Pastor Cyndi McDonald Colossians 4:2-6
Paul opens his letter to Colossae by describing his prayers for them, prayers that they will grow to live lives worthy of the grace they have received. Giving thanks is part of this process. But now, as the letter ends, he asks them to pray for him. They have a role to play in God’s story.
November 12, 2023
The life God wants us to put on in Colossians 3:12-17 seems so perfect. How do we allow God to bring about these changes within us?
Colossians 2:6-7 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
We continue to give thanks, because this practice and habit is part of how God is shaping us so that we are better able to live out God’s commands to love God and love our neighbors as ourself.
Colossians 1:15-24 Pastor Cyndi McDonald
Trusting God deeply is crucial to living an abundant life. However, having a wrong image of God can hinder this. For instance, if you perceive God as distant and uncaring, you may blame God when things go wrong or turn away under the assumption that God doesn’t care.
So, what is the proper understanding of God? The best image of God is revealed through Jesus. Paul suspected that the Colossae depended on the law rather than on Christ and striving for spiritual growth in harmful ways due to a dysfunctional image of God. He taught them a hymn they could sing to remind them of what God is really like.
Colossians 1:15-20 Dr. Dominic Lele
In his letter to Colossian Christians, Paul describes Jesus as revealing the Image of God. This image helps us to understand more about God, and how people are created to be.
Colossians 1:1-14
Pastor Paula Dallas introduces us to the setting for the book of Colossians. In his letter to Colossae, Paul addresses the question of identity. They are God’s holy people, faithful in Christ and loving. Faith and love are nourished by the hope they found in the gospel. Yet there is pressure on this church to keep hope. How can we be a people of hope and thanksgiving when it seems all is lost?
Previous Sermon Series
The Apostles Creed
